What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rigorous
Example
The professor's rigorous approach to teaching helped prepare students for the difficult exam. [rigorous: adjective]
Example
The company has a rigorous hiring process that includes multiple interviews and assessments. [rigorous: adjective]
thorough
Example
The detective conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene. [thorough: adjective]
Example
She always does a thorough job of cleaning the house, leaving no corner untouched. [thorough: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thorough is more commonly used than rigorous in everyday language. Thorough is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while rigorous is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rigorous and thorough?
Both rigorous and thorough are formal words that are often used in academic or professional settings. However, rigorous may have a more formal connotation due to its association with strict rules or standards.
